Greece has a wonderful climate and diverse landscapes which is why it has become so popular among foreigners – both with tourists and people looking for property abroad. Greece's several islands offer a paradise getaway, but can become quite busy during the high season. Greece has both the sea and mountains to offer, plus it has not yet been completely taken over by skyscrapers or mass amounts of foreigners.
Where to Buy
Of course the islands are always a popular choice among foreigners when choosing a place to buy property. But Greece has a lot to offer on the mainland as well, plus it can be a good option if you are trying to cut down on cost.
Athens
Athens is the capital and largest city in Greece. This cosmopolitan city is full of life, as well as a long rooted history. The classic heritage can still be found throughout the city with its ancient monuments and works of art. The city has undergone many improvements, mostly because it was the setting for the 2004 Olympic Games; these changes have improved the quality of life there.
As it has already expanded most all of the available place, it is not likely to build in Athens, however, an apartment in the city would be a good investment as it could allow year-round rental.
Corfu
Situated in the Ionian Sea, Corfu is one of the most popular islands in Greece. It has about 217 km of coastline and is a leader in the Fine Arts. Corfu has long history of tourism and foreign residents, thus there is a great deal of respect and hospitality among the locals and foreigners.
The North-eastern part of the island has seen some growth, mainly by people moving from the U.K. But there are many other parts of the island full of natural beauty and can be a nice place to create your own divine dwelling.
Crete
Crete is the largest Greek island and ranks 5th largest among all islands in the Mediterranean Sea. It has been a very popular tourist destination and is just now beginning to gain popularity among foreign buyers. Situated 160 km to the south of the mainland, Crete's population is around 650,000 people.
There are several options for property on the island, from already existing homes and apartments, businesses, and land for purchase to be able to build on your own. The main cities are Heraklion, Chania, Rethymnon, Ierapetra, Mires, Timbaki, and Paleochora.
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is Greece's second largest city and is located in the northern Greek region of Macedonia. The city is a very busy center of cultural and economic activity for the country. It is home to two major universities as well. Although it is fitted with all the amenities of a big metropolitan city, Thessaloniki still has a laid back atmosphere.
Like Athens much of the municipality has been built on, but there are several options for a vacation home or an investment property to rent out during the year. This can prove quite profitable since it is a university city.
What Type of Property to Buy
Whichever type of property you buy definitely depends on your personal preferences, whether you are looking for a vacation home, an investment property or a place to relocate to. You should prepare your budget, decide what expectations you have and then start to look. This way you can avoid any complications there might be with purchasing certain properties.
If you plan to buy in one of the more tourist destinations, mostly the islands, but aren't planning to use it throughout the year it may be a good idea to look into what options you have to rent it out.
If you are buying primarily as an investment then it may be a good idea to buy off plan so that you have the option of paying in stages, or you could buy a property that needs some refurbishments. Be aware though, some costs for improvements and renovations can be fairly high in Greece.
Whatever you are searching for, we can highly recommend that, before you make the final decision about what to buy, you speak with a professional and reliable estate agent as well as an independent lawyer.
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